Speaker: Michael Burkhimer

Why Was Socrates the Wisest Man?

Thomas Paine UU Fellowship
Thomas Paine UU Fellowship
Why Was Socrates the Wisest Man?
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Why was Socrates the wisest man in Greece? Was he the most educated? The most eloquent? The most knowledgeable? No, it was claimed he was the wisest because he knew he knew nothing.  We are often very sure of ourselves and our opinions on things. … read more.

Abraham Lincoln – His Life and Accomplishments

Thomas Paine UU Fellowship
Thomas Paine UU Fellowship
Abraham Lincoln - His Life and Accomplishments
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It has been 213 years since Abraham Lincoln was born. He was a major force in making America live up to its promise in the Declaration of Independence.  Join us as Abraham Lincoln will be visiting Thomas Paine Fellowship (re-enactor Bob Gleason) to discuss with … read more.

Happy 100th Birthday, Kurt Vonnegut!

Thomas Paine UU Fellowship
Thomas Paine UU Fellowship
Happy 100th Birthday, Kurt Vonnegut!
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Kurt Vonnegut was a counterculture hero, and one of the most influential writers and novelists of the 20th century. He is best known for writing “Slaughterhouse Five”, Cat’s Cradle”, and “Breakfast of Champions”. His works are a blend of science, satire, and black comedy.

… read more.

Keeping the Faith in Liberal Religion

Thomas Paine UU Fellowship
Thomas Paine UU Fellowship
Keeping the Faith in Liberal Religion
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Unitarian Universalism has a tradition of being a liberal church. But like many “liberal” institutions, it is facing many challenges. One can ask, “Where we might have gone wrong? Is there too much identitarianism, political polarization? What can we do better? How can we avoid … read more.

Summarizing a Summer Read – 2022

Thomas Paine UU Fellowship
Thomas Paine UU Fellowship
Summarizing a Summer Read - 2022
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Unitarian Universalists tend to be avid readers. To keep abreast of current events and gain perspective on important issues, they devour news stories, articles, and editorials. They also read books—quite a lot of them. In this service, several TPUUF members and friends will share thoughts … read more.

The Egg

Thomas Paine UU Fellowship
Thomas Paine UU Fellowship
The Egg
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America celebrates its 246th birthday tomorrow.  We are celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence which set up what this country was supposed to be.  We all know the famous lines.  But as UU’s can we look at the document and gather wisdom about … read more.

Millard Fillmore, a Unitarian US President; the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Thomas Paine UU Fellowship
Thomas Paine UU Fellowship
Millard Fillmore, a Unitarian US President; the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
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Let’s honor this President’s Day by learning about a fellow Unitarian, Millard Fillmore. He was our nation’s 13th president and the first University of Buffalo chancellor. Harry Truman dismissed him as “the do-nothing president.” And yet, his honesty and integrity remain unchallenged—qualities lacking in some … read more.

The Religion of our Founding Fathers and its Discontents

Thomas Paine UU Fellowship
Thomas Paine UU Fellowship
The Religion of our Founding Fathers and its Discontents
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We’ve all heard pronouncements like, “America was founded on Judeo-Christian principles”  and “Our Founding Fathers were God-fearing Christians.” Was it? Were they? As with many popularized historical “facts,”  a closer look at the faith of our Founding Fathers reveals a variety of religious opinions that would make … read more.

Taking ‘Em Down…for Good

Thomas Paine UU Fellowship
Thomas Paine UU Fellowship
Taking 'Em Down...for Good
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The brutal murder of George Floyd triggered not only a massive outcry for an end to police brutality, but also a worldwide call to address systemic racism and the countless injustices it spawns. It also re-animated the campaign in the U.S. to remove from public … read more.

Abraham Lincoln: Voting Rights Martyr?

Abraham Lincoln’s death was the result of his efforts on behalf of voting rights for African-Americans. He was killed by a man who called America “a white man’s country.” The final straw was when Lincoln suggested in his last public speech that some African-Americans be allowed to vote. Because voting rights are a fragile thing, we need to recognize the violence that has met people who have stood and died for African-American voting rights, such as Medgar Evers, Octavius Catto, and Abraham Lincoln, and vow to continue the struggle.